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DallasSteve
Texas
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Joined: 05/28/2015
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I'm buying a bumper pull trailer and the dealer is offering to install a weight distribution hitch for $1,000. They said it is an Equal-i-zer, I don't remember which model. It's my first trailer so it may be nice to have it set up, but I'm pretty sure I could watch a YouTube video and do it myself. I installed a base plate on a Jeep. I checked Amazon and I see Equal-i-zer hitches for around $700. GVWR on the trailer is about 9,000 pounds. I'm planning to tow it with an F 250 though I might get an F150 if people think that's plenty. The difference in price isn't a big deal. Would you pull it first and then decide if it feels like it needs the WDH?
2022 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT SLX 8 324BDS
2022 FORD F-250 XL CREW CAB 4X4
All my exes live in Texas, that's why I live in an RV
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ReneeG
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 07/13/2005
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You didn't say the weight and length of your trailer, but in most, if not all cases, weight distribution and anti-sway bar are recommended. Some may say otherwise with the anti-sway stating that a properly loaded trailer will eliminate the need for it, but we have always had them for our bumper pulls with no regret.
2011 Bighorn 3055RL
2011 F350 DRW 6.7L 4x4 Diesel Lariat and Hensley TrailerSaver BD3
1992 Jeep ZJ and 1978 Coleman Concord Pop-Up for remote camping
Dave & Renee plus (Champ, Molly, Paris, Missy, and Maggie in spirit), Mica and Mabel, both Rat Terriers!
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propchef
NORCAL
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Joined: 10/02/2020
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We have an Equilizer that I installed myself, it isn't that hard if you have basic tools and some mechanical ability.
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Thomas/NH
Exeter, NH
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Joined: 03/22/2009
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I've never towed with an Equal-i-zer hitch, I'm a Reese dual-cam guy (had several of them due to the heavy tongue weight of my Reflections). I think Equal-i-zer is the most popular since that what dealers push. However, they are very noisy, my traveling companion has one on his Airstream/Mercedes. I can tell he's arrived as soon as he pulls into the campground. That's his number 1 complaint with it and it's hard to snap-up (yes, he does use the tongue jack as well). The only thing to caution you about is: height of hitch receiver on a F250. You'll probably need a long drop shank.
Having towed with several F150s (hundred of thousands miles), it's a better truck than the Super Duty. I have had 3 Super Duty's. My current one is a F350/PS 6.7 Lariat and I tow 42' fifth-wheel and it's one hell of a good truck, but the last F150 was a better truck all around (except capacity & power). Keep in mind, that there are F150s and then their are F150s. You need to buy a truck properly equipped to tow the load you have.
As far as having the dealer supply and install the hitch... There are a lot of things you don't know about setting it up properly and it will make all the difference in your towing experience.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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If you're willing to pay the $1000's extra for an F250 over an F150, then why are you quibbling over the $300 of shop time to have the hitch installed? That's 2 hours of shop time these days, which is about right.
Then again, you 100% will need to adjust it yourself once you get home and get the trailer loaded. You're only paying for them to assemble the hitch and physically put it on the truck/trailer.
Guess I'm not really helping.
For a 9000GVW trailer, go with the F250. Even with modern trucks I still maintain that 7500 loaded is the COMFORT limit for an F150.
Putting 10-ply tires on half ton trucks since aught-four.
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Thomas/NH
Exeter, NH
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mkirsch wrote:If you're willing to pay the $1000's extra for an F250 over an F150, then why are you quibbling over the $300 of shop time to have the hitch installed? That's 2 hours of shop time these days, which is about right.
Say what??? When was the last time you went truck shopping? There is very little differnce between the 150s and the 250 or the 350 set up the same. Availability of trucks is another issue. Yes, I've been shopping and very discouraged by the lack of inventory. My local Ford dealer usually has hundreds of trucks on the lot, only had 6 Super dutys and 35 F150s.
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MNRon
Tennessee
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Joined: 08/18/2007
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Years ago I had a 9000lb TT that I pulled with an F150, then a Yukon 3/4T - You definitely will need a weight distribution hitch with an F150; F250 will handle it OK without but would recommend it anyway for sway control (many tow without).
Equilizer was a great weight distribution hitch BUT you need to get the plastic pads that ride on the L-brackets and grease the pivot otherwise they are VERY NOISY. I was embarrassed every time I pulled into a campground before I added the plastic pads.
Certainly you can install it yourself if you're somewhat mechanically inclined and have the tools. If you have more money than time the price doesn't seem bad.
Ron & Pat
2022 F350 Lariat CCSB SRW Diesel
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TenOC
On the road -- Full time
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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DallasSteve wrote:I'm buying a bumper pull trailer and the dealer is offering to install a weight distribution hitch for $1,000. ?
$1,000 NO NO NO!!!! You can get a used Hensley Arrow or a used ProPride hitch for a few $ more. Search this forum for either and read the reviews.
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.
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joebedford
Home for the summer.
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Joined: 09/03/2003
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I guess that explains the bangs I hear from travel trailers here in the RV park. I keep thinking they hit something but it's just the hitch banging.
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midnightsadie
ohio
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Joined: 01/07/2008
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this is the place on your trailer to spend the bucks. you want it to pull like a feather,not a 18teen wheeler.
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